When you earn your real estate license, it’s easy to feel torn between excitement and uncertainty. You’ve studied hard, passed the exam, and are ready to work—but now comes the hard part: building momentum. Many new agents find that joining a real estate team or brokerage is the best way to start strong. The right team can offer mentorship, steady leads, and a sense of belonging that solo agents often lack.
In this article, we’ll walk through why joining a real estate team can transform your career, how to find the right one, the step-by-step process to join, and how to succeed once you’re in.
Why Join a Real Estate Team?
Before signing on the dotted line, it’s important to know why you’re doing it. A real estate team isn’t just about shared branding—it’s about shared growth.
1. Access to Leads and Marketing
Most teams invest heavily in marketing and lead generation, which can help you avoid the struggle of finding your first clients. Instead of starting cold, you’ll be plugged into a system that already works.
2. Mentorship and Training
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), agents who receive structured mentorship close up to 30% more transactions in their first year【web†NAR†L10-L20】. A good team leader helps you navigate complex deals, understand client psychology, and avoid common pitfalls.
3. Shared Resources
From CRMs and listing photography to transaction coordinators, joining a team means you won’t need to handle every administrative burden alone. This support lets you focus on building relationships instead of juggling paperwork.
4. Built-In Credibility
New agents often benefit from the reputation of an established team or brokerage. Clients trust names they recognize, giving you credibility early in your career.
5. Community and Accountability
Working alongside peers keeps you motivated and focused. When others are closing deals, you naturally want to step up your game too.
However, there are trade-offs—reduced commission splits, less autonomy, and occasional internal competition. The trick is finding a team that provides more value than it costs.
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Team
Choosing a team is like choosing a business partner—you need alignment, transparency, and trust. Here’s how to make an informed choice.
1. Understand Your Goals
Before you start applying, ask yourself:
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- What kind of training do I need?
- Do I want independence or structure?
- Am I looking for leads, brand exposure, or mentorship?
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The clearer you are, the easier it becomes to find a team that meets your needs.
2. Ask Smart Questions
When interviewing potential teams, don’t just ask about commission splits. Dig deeper:
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- How are leads generated and distributed?
- What kind of mentorship or ongoing training is offered?
- Are there administrative or desk fees?
- How is success measured internally?
- What happens if I want to leave the team?
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Real estate experts emphasize the importance of clarity in agreements and expectations to avoid conflicts later【web†FollowUpBoss†L20-L30】.
3. Evaluate Team Culture
Culture often determines your happiness more than commission percentage. Attend a team meeting, talk to current agents, and gauge if you feel supported. Are they collaborative or competitive? Transparent or secretive?
4. Study the Leadership
A strong leader mentors their agents and fosters growth rather than competition. Read online reviews, look at the team’s market reputation, and research the team leader’s history of agent success.
Step-by-Step: How to Join a Real Estate Team
Once you’ve found a few potential fits, here’s the process to join confidently.
Step 1: Craft a Compelling Introduction
Treat it like a job application. Include your story, career goals, and what value you bring. Highlight qualities like adaptability, professionalism, and eagerness to learn. Personality matters more than years of experience in this field.
Step 2: Shadow or Observe
Request to shadow a team member or attend a sales meeting. You’ll learn whether the team’s workflow matches your pace and personality. Transparency during this stage signals a healthy team culture.
Step 3: Review the Agreement Carefully
Before signing, ensure the written agreement includes:
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- Commission splits and tiers
- Any recurring fees
- Responsibilities (leads, open houses, admin tasks)
- Exit policies
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Step 4: Announce and Transition
Once you join, make your move public—update your LinkedIn, MLS profile, and social media bios. Let your network know you’ve joined a team and are ready to help clients. Consistency in branding builds trust and recognition.
How to Succeed After Joining
Joining a team is just the start. To truly grow, you must contribute and continually learn.
1. Be a Team Player
Communicate openly, show up for meetings, and share your wins. Collaboration builds goodwill and often leads to internal referrals.
2. Take Initiative
Don’t wait for leads to drop in your lap. Use your team’s resources—marketing templates, databases, community outreach—and show that you’re self-motivated.
3. Build Your Personal Brand
Even within a team, you can build your own niche. Create social media content, write blogs about your local area, and highlight your expertise.
4. Track Your Progress
Document your monthly numbers—calls, showings, closed deals. This data helps you negotiate better splits and prove your value to the team over time.
5. Keep Learning
The best agents are lifelong learners. Attend webinars, take continuing education courses, and stay updated with market trends.
The Long-Term Vision
Many top agents start on teams, learn the business, and eventually lead their own. Don’t view joining a team as limiting—think of it as a launchpad. The relationships, knowledge, and systems you gain are assets that compound over time.
As one veteran agent famously said, “You join a team to learn how to fly; you stay until you can build your own runway.”
FAQs
1. Is it better to start on a real estate team or go solo?
For most new agents, starting on a team offers a faster and smoother entry. You’ll gain immediate access to training, mentorship, and lead systems that can shorten your learning curve. Solo agents must handle everything—marketing, client management, contracts—which can be overwhelming in your first year. Teams allow you to focus on learning client service before managing operations independently【web†AgentAdvice†L12-L25】.
2. How much commission do team members usually earn?
Commission structures vary, but many teams start with a 50/50 split between the agent and the team. As you gain experience or handle your own leads, the percentage can increase to 70/30 or higher. Always clarify if there are monthly desk fees, marketing fees, or transaction costs, as these affect your net income【web†TheClose†L18-L26】.
3. What should I look for in a real estate team leader?
A great leader does more than generate leads—they mentor, motivate, and manage with empathy. Look for someone who:
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- Provides consistent coaching
- Has a proven track record of closing deals
- Values collaboration over competition
- Is transparent about finances and expectations
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Good leadership ensures you’re not just a number but an active part of a collective mission【web†HousingWire†L10-L20】.
4. Can I switch teams or leave a brokerage later?
Yes, you can—but read your contract carefully. Some teams have non-compete clauses or restrictions on contacting past clients. The ideal agreement allows for smooth transitions and fair division of leads. Always maintain professional relationships when exiting; real estate is a small world, and reputation travels fast【web†Inman†L14-L25】.
5. How long should I stay on a team before going independent?
There’s no fixed timeline. Some agents thrive in teams for years, while others branch out after one or two successful seasons. The key is growth—if you’re still learning, earning steadily, and enjoying the culture, stay.
Joining a real estate team isn’t about giving up control—it’s about giving yourself structure, mentorship, and opportunity. The best teams combine support with freedom, teaching you the ropes while letting your personal brand shine.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up, remember: real estate is a relationship business. Choose a team that values people as much as profits. When your environment nurtures growth, your success follows naturally.